Before proceedings commence

Lord Woolf’s 1986 report Access to Justice identified the need for parties to see legal action as a last resort. He suggested that they should first try to settle matters outside the judicial system.

These principles are reflected in the Civil Procedure Rules which were introduced in April 1999. In line with those Rules, if an action is launched before us and there is no prior contact between the parties, they may be penalised when the costs of the case are determined.

So if you are thinking of taking legal action you should attempt to resolve the matter before launching any action.

We would remind you that opposition to a published trade mark must be made within three months of the date of publication.